I believe this dates back to 2001 where one of the hijackers was in the US on a student visa despite never attending any classes. Basically you require a babysitter to be allowed to stay.

As for things that are "temporary", it's looking like the pandemic situation isn't changing any time soon unfortunately. I think everyone is just adapting. The govt is saying going totally online cannot become the new normal for internationals.

Students are certainly able to transfer, by the way. I know students who failed and rushed to apply to yet another school (they always find one too) to avoid being sent home as a result.